Pakistan Admits to Mumbai Attack Link

[Image from the AFP, Rehman Malik showing reporters a picture of the boat used in the Mumbai attacks]

On Thursday, media outlets reported that Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik acknowledged that “some part of the conspiracy” behind the November attacks in Mumbai took place in Pakistan. According to CNN, “The comments…were Pakistan’s first formal acknowledgment that Islamic militants trained in his country were behind the plot.” BBC News correspondent Syed Shoaib Hasan added, “It is also the first time a serving Pakistan government official has acknowledged that a foreign terror plot was hatched in Pakistan – an admission that could hold serious implications for the country’s security establishment.” Dawn quoted the senior official, who told reporters today, “The incident happened in India and part of the conspiracy was hatched in Pakistan…This FIR [First Information Report] has been launched. I want to show all of you, I want to show our nation, I want to show the international community, I want to show all those who have been a victim of terrorism, that we mean business.”

According to Malik, six of the suspects are now in police custody, while “two others remain at large,” reported BBC News. The news agency added, “It is not clear when the suspects were arrested – Pakistan said in January that 71 suspects had been detained. Arrests began in early December.” The NY Times reported, “Sketching the international profile of the attackers’ communications, he said cellphone SIM cards were bought in Austria while calls over the Internet, using a server in Texas, were paid for in Barcelona, Spain.” Moreover, reported GEO News, another website domain name used by the attackers was registered in Russia, and a satellite phone was registered in a Middle Eastern country, which Malik declined to name. The Interior Minister noted that one conspirator in Pakistani custody, Hamman Amin Sadiq, was “basically the main operator,” adding that his interrogation “led to the raid on two hideouts, one in the port city, and one two hours outside.” Moreover, emails that claimed the responsibility for the attacks were allegedly created by Zarar Shah, the communications coordinator of Lashkar-e-Taiba, the militant group India has long believed to be behind the attacks.

India welcomed Malik’s statements on Thursday, calling the acknowledgement, “positive,” adding, “We would expect that the government of Pakistan take credible steps to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism in Pakistan.” According to the BBC’s Sanjoy Majumder in Delhi, “There is genuine surprise in India at what is seen by some as a major turn-around by Pakistan.” Just yesterday, Hindu’s nationalist opposition called for tougher measures against Pakistan in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks. According to the Financial Times, Prakash Javadekar, a senior spokesman for the Bharatiya Janata party [BJP], said “rising anger about India’s apparent helplessness in face of a threat from Pakistan would swell support for his party in coming elections.” It will be interesting to see how today’s development impacts public opinion in both India and Pakistan, and if it will alter voters’ perceptions prior to India’s elections, which are slated to take place between April and May 2009.

After reading Malik’s statements in the media today, I was also struck by the transnational nature of these attacks. In this era of technology and communication, the recruitment and organization of terrorist attacks don’t just occur within tangible boundaries – but across continents and within cyberspace. It has transformed the way we perceive or should perceive conflict – if the Mumbai attackers were Pakistani but used various networks in Europe, Asia, and the United States – does the blame fall on just one country or on several? Obviously, Pakistan should spearhead the investigation – but to what extent do other nations get involved?

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27 Responses

In a world where nations rarely own up to wrong-doing, I am very surprised by this acknowledgment by the Pakistani government. I wonder, why did Malik choose to make this acknowledgment? Also, why now?

Thanks for sharing, Kals. I wanted to know the answers to the same questions that Samar thought of. But I don’t think it was only international pressure though Holbrooke is in town.

I think it was more a way to say, “Fine, we accept that the training for the terrorists was in Pakistan-baased camps so now shut your rhetoric and just calm down”. I think all along we knew there was a Pakistani connection but it has been proven that there is an Indian connection as well.

And why now? I think it’s just that it’s been a while now, things have cooled down, admitting to this will not draw troops to the borders so I guess the govt made a wise move and admitted to past mistakes.

Kasloom, I am just curious to know what’s the reaction in Pakistan which does not include government and media. I mean people on street, who were to an extent offended by ban imposed on Jamaat Ut Dawa. Also Mr. Malik vehemently denied the involvement of Pakistani soil till about couple of fortnights back.

What puzzles me is all that was given in dossier was available through the media long before it was handed over to Pakistani High Commission in India. Now if that is the information/evidence that GoP has worked upon what stopped them to work upon it even before the dossier was handed over through official channels? Why were they calling it information and now all that has become evidence?

Or GoP has finally risen to the fact that if information leads to the logical conclusion as it indicates, it becomes an evidence?

It is unfortunate that not much debate is being made about the planners & their motivations behind the Mumbai attacks.

Most people just take these attacks at their face value : some misguided fundamentalist youth come to India and shoot randomly at Kuffars and evil Indians. These murders, by themselves, are presented as objectives for the terror gangs, whoever is responsible for this operation.

But is it as simple as that ? Such a well-planned operation needs to have a lot of logistical and financial support. What exactly are the objectives behind this ? One thing is clear : one of the objectives seems to be starting a war on the Indo-Pak frontier. Who will benefit from such a thing ?

I hope the investigation goes at this level rather than at surface level cues and nabbing a few people. The Mumbai dossier cannot be closed at that.

It’s good that Pakistan has thrown a bone to India.. It’s pretty obviously to everyone in India that Pakistan was behind it. The two nations need much much more cooperation in commerce and security. Otherwise they risk diverting valuable resources from productive areas of the economy.

There is nothing good or bad about accepting that there is a mistake. I believe in the larger sense this will help Pakistan tone down the international pressure on it to a certain extent.

But there are certain intriguing things in my mind.Why isn’t the name of any organization, let alone LeT not mentioned? Why weren’t the names and identities of all the arrested revealed..? if there is a middle eastern Arab country involved why isn’t the name given? when Spain, Austria, united states are revealed??

Looks to me like a strategy to pacify the international pressure by admitting the obvious but not mentioning anything that could irreparably damage the image/perception/cause of the organizations involved!

I did see one article discussing how/where they will be tried in Pakistan, so it seems Pakistan is being relatively forthcoming with information. I think it’s a combination of Holbrooke’s visit, projecting a better image of Pakistan, plus obviously the desire to NOT go to war with India over a couple of thugs.

I doubt Durrani will be back – I’m sure the Pakistani government has some kind of muzzle on him to prevent a repeat of the last incident. Unfortunate!

Balajirit – interesting point, the information I gathered above was from a compilation of sources. So the NY Times mentioned Spain, Texas, etc. in its coverage while GEO News was the one that mentioned the Middle Eastern country, which wasn’t even mentioned by the Times.

Rabia- I went through a few different sources and haven’t found any statements from the Army Gen. HQ – most of the reports concerning the military are re: Swat.

The Al qaida Video should have influenced the govt to a greater extent to release the info. If the denial continues, then it would have catastrophic effects on Pak… read american envoy visit..
LeT is one thing…But getting an al qaida dimension to it adds it with global terrorism which would not be supported by Pakistan..

Though it would be interesting to see, how the prosecution is going to proceed in the coming weeks!

Why would fanatic muslims listen to people from other faiths??
You created the taliban in the 1980’s to fight the soviet union.. now that the frankenstein monster has turned on the master all of a sudden India is the culprit?? isn’t this all too convenient man??
you created a mess and deal with it. when you play with fire your hands are gonna get burnt sooner or later.. you created taliban, now you have to deal with your creation.. wake up and smell the coffee.. dont blame India for the mess you and alone you have created..
True that US too helped in creating and training mujahideens but they were doing in their self-interest.. you guys should have been more careful.. Why did you keep supporting the taliban even after the americans left?? wasn’t that incredibly stupid?
You have bear the consequences for your idiotic mistakes.. don blame countries that have nothing to do with your mess just to satisfy yourselves.. This only enlarges the problem.. doesn’t solve it..

…you mean that in case difference between Army and Govt keep widening, the army will eventually take over and this time there will be no proxy war but a direct war between India and Pakistan, where in Taliban will be fighting along with Pakistani army, hand in hand?

3. Army has warned the situation on the borders, including
Chinab river water blockage from India, leading to a
possible skirmish, another silent force within Pak punjab
has prepared its launching in case if there is a conflict !

4. PPP’s Govt. will be forced to resign or face impeachement,
or else get eliminated, the ministers are changing their
addresses all the time.

Distinguished Patriotic Talibans from both sides
have offered unconditional cooperation to PPP’s Govt,
but was ” curiously refused “.

These patriotic Talibans are desparetely looking for straight
cooperation with Pak Army. But PPP Govt. has forbidden
Kiyani to negociate with Talibans.

According to Taliban’s furnished infos about Takfiri, Tehrikis,
Kharajits, and their leaders Baitullah, Fazallullah etc has
been confirmed by ISI and Army, it is PPP’s Govt, closed her
eyes, and don’t let ISI or Army declare anything.
I am sure, the big Bang will be equally disasterous for PPP,
not only India.

Sherry Rehman, Rehman Malik have instructed the media
on certain ” guidelines ”
In all this, Mumbai dossier farce will be deflatted
in 5 seconds.

“does the blame fall on just one country or on several? Obviously, Pakistan should spearhead the investigation – but to what extent do other nations get involved?”

Hmm. I don’t think you can aportion blame to other countries simply because a SIM card was bought in Austria, and a phone call was placed in Spain. At the end of the day the organisation who planned the attack in Pakistani through-and-through. It was partly set up with the ISI’s help years ago, and all its leadership are Pakistanis. All the attackers were Pakistanis. And all its bases are in Pakistan.

I’m glad Pakistan admitted partial responsibility, because to continue denying it was farcical. At least the govt will be taken seriously now, and hopefully Indo-Pak authorities can work together in rounding up these scumbags.

I think that the odds have changed since the acceptance of Prez Zardari aboutlosing Swat and also the the fact that the ARMY itself is facing a huge challenge in cleansing the area of the dangerous elements.

Well, As Rafay put it, that Mr. Zardari is a puppet of the west, it really does not matter. He is the head of the state and its first citizen appointed by the remaining citizens of the state. So whatever he says carries weight and has to be taken on its face value. He is the Higher most authority of Pakistan and hence whatever he says is/will be treated as it is what the state of affairs are. Whatever anyone else outside the Govt. Says is going to be treated as HEARSAY/RUMOUR/FIGMENTs of Imagination.

Also, interesting was the way the entire sequence of things to come were described by Rafay. I mean, if everything is so well planned and if the PPP is going to be thrown out any which ways by the ARMY and ISI, then there is clearly a conspiracy in place. That too as widespread and deep rooted to reach people who contribute on such blogs/forums/communities.

As for Rehman Malick’s response to 26/11, am surprised why everyone is after his life? He only did his job. What he was told to do by his Govt. Almost all reposts/views that I have viewed after the revelation, everyone is simply trying to target Rehman Malik. He is the equivalent of the Home Minister of India as an Interior Minister of Pakistan and will be responsible for all such meetings of this magnitude that take place. (Albeit the smile on his face was a bit too confusing for the fact that it was actually nailing his nation into deep trouble).

There was a question posed (if am not mistaken by Rafay) about who will gain out of the Indo-Pak Conflict? I suggest that you ask this to yourself first.

For the uninitiated;

An Indo Pak Headon would be an instant unifier for all Pak Nationalists. Benefitting the incumbent Govt to sail through with the entire nation behind it against Indian Aggression.

Pakistani Army will have to move its troops from western borders where it is finding it difficult to fight the Biatullah’s and the Fazllullah’s and the Baloch’s. The very elements they themselves created, are up against them in arms and giving them a run for their money for supporting America.

Also, when the Pak Army moves to defend its eastern broders, Taliban and Al-Q have a feild day on the western borders taking its control (which as per Zardari on CBS it already has taken quiet a bit of).

Pak Army wants to divorce the War on Terror which has been thrusted upon them by the earlier incumbent Prez. And eastern Border could well be the easiet way to get out of the western broders. Also, US of A cannot ask them to continue its war when the eastern broders itself were on fire. Moraly it cannot.

As the case was, all Anti Pakistani Elements like the TPP, Mullah Radio etc.. would rally behind the Pak Army in a show of solidarity if they are up agains India an nation of Infidels for the radical Taliban/Al-Q.

Also, since the Pakistani Army is in a situation where allegations of mass corruption, radicals penetration of the army top brass etc. The image of the Army amongst the population is getting maligned. A war with India would bring back the good old days of people’s support to anything and everything that the Army and ISI does.

So it was a well planned an times attack on not one but various nations. The timing was immaculate.

Why& How ?

There were elections in J&K during those days, Forthcoming General Elections in India for a fresh Parliament. Thrusting a war upon them would have meant a great amount of its resources getting absorbed in the war and with a Govt. which is not know for its aggression, it would have been trying to get things under control. It did well to use its strength in coercive diplomacy rather than dwell into an unwanted war with Pakistan.

The Presidency in America was under a transit period thus making decisions coming from west a little slower than they actually would.

In Pakistan, pushing Zardari to a corner, by thrusting a fullon war upon his already instable govt. If you ask me, as a neutral guy, I would give full marks to Zardari for managing it so long and keeping his cool in this most dangerous situation that any of the Prez would have ever faced in Pakistan. The benefit would have been, he would have either crumbled under pressure, bringing Gen Kayani to power or would have taken a leadership position to take India HEADON. He chose a path between, walking a tightrope and rightly so. Full marks to him so far.

Phew… its got too lengthy now…. maybe later I will add up. Thanks for being so patient.

1-Unlike other terrorists, Terrorists in Mumbay has not demanded anything? They don’t demand release of their co-prisoners nor demanded money… why?? what was their target then?

2-Unlike other islamic Jehadis with beard and turbans, why Mumbai terrorists came with strange look – they wore jeans and T-shirts; clean-shaved and no turbans nor any sign of muslims terrorists we normally watch on media?

3-And the Terrorists attackers did nothing specifically for western, even Israelis, it was sure if they were Jehadists!

4-Beer drinking terrorists; Jehadi are non-alcoholic,
however Mumbai Terrorists goes to the cafe and drinks beer before they start firing??

5-Mumbai terrorists (as shown by media) had close similarities with RSS cadres: Mumbai terrorist wearing an yellow band on his right hand as RSS cadres wears normally (see pictures of Kasab).

6-Mumbai terrorists immediately find their targets by killing ATS leaders [Hemant Karakare, CP Ashok Kamthe & Vijay Salskar) in first 15 minutes of the attacks of their terror? Karakare was wearing bullet proof jacket , he was fired right on his neck!!! he was in a crowded place , so it was not easy to find and identify him. how they got so much information ????????? why they targeted him!!!!!!

How and why they so specific the clearly chose ATS
leaders? And the terrorist immediately ran away, why? & who was that terrorist?

7-Only one terrorist caught lively (?), all others killed as in every encounter in recent past?

8-Mumbai terrorist are very clear about their targets, they are well experienced their hide abouts in Taj and other places?

9-Prime Minister, Sonia & LK Advani visits Mumbai, but no clues or no claims about ISI or Pakistan.. However No1 terrorist, Gujarat CM Modi hurry-up to Mumbai and declares that Pakistan is behind the attack without any doubt!

Note: no other CMs goes to Mumbai.. And he offers rewards to every military men killed of 1 crore unlike PM and LK Advani? Even he offers aid to MahaRastra!

10-Media was widely reporting that there were IDs of terrorists recovered which shows Malaysian and Mauritious IDs however such references disappeared once Modi’s arrival!

11-The timing of Mumbai terror is well planned, just before state elections! (so who will take beneficent ? lashkar-e-taiba or BJP?)

12-We are told that they came from Pakistan by sea? Indian military in boards sea were sleeping?? We are told they came by speed boats? is it possible to travel so long on such boat?

13-It took contineous 60 hours to stop the terrorism! and most of terrorists killed!!!!!

Modi on Friday visited the residences of Karkare and encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar, who were killed while fighting militants on Wednesday night.

Modi also announced that his government would give Rs 1 crore to Maharashtra for the families of policemen killed in the attacks. Karkare’s widow and other family members have declined Modi’s offer, the sources said.